Please note: The information below reflects how our community and neighborhood programs operated pre-pandemic. Most are still operating, but in a modified form. We have chosen to leave this information up so our normal way of operating is still visible to our community. For information about our current operations, please see the main Neighborhood Ministry page.
Bargain Box
1st Saturday in August, at noon during the Community Meal
Downstairs at Mount Olive
Continually providing clothing for growing children can be a struggle. The Bargain Box program collects new and gently used clothing for infants and for children headed back to school.
You Can Help
- Provide new or gently used children’s clothing during collection times.
- Sort clothing.
- Sell clothing the day of the event.
- Offer a financial gift to support this ministry.
Community Meals
** Mount Olive is currently not hosting community meals. **
1st and 3rd Saturdays, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Downstairs at Mount Olive
During the community meal, members, neighbors, and sojourners gather to connect and share a tasty lunch. Everyone is welcome, and the meal is free.
You Can Help
Join a team for the whole experience, or help with just one part of the meal, planned for 80 to 150 people. This is a great family activity.
- Prepare food.
- Assist with set-up.
- Serve food.
- Clean up.
Or just come for a meal and time with your community!
Diaper Depot
Select hours Tuesdays and 1st and 3rd Saturdays
Downstairs at Mount Olive
Diapers are essential to keep infants clean, dry, and healthy. Yet an average monthly supply of diapers costs $80.00. The Diaper Depot offers packs of diapers at a heavily reduced price, easing a financial burden while staff and volunteers get to know the families in our neighborhood.
Hours we are open
- Tuesday, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Sizes and prices
- N–6: $3.00 per pack
- Pull-ups: $4.00 per pack
Families may purchase up to two packs per child, per month for children up to four years old. To register, please bring a form of identification for each child (copy of birth certificate, medical ID, SS card, WIC packet).
La Almacén de pañales ofrece paquetes de pañales a precios reducidos.
Horas abiertos
- Martes, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- El primer y tercer Sábado del mes, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tenemos los tamaños
- 0–6: $3.00 por paquete
- Pull-Ups: $4.00 por paquete
Se puede comprar hasta dos paquetes por cada niño que use pañales al mes—hasta los cuatro años de edad.
Por favor llevase un documento oficial con la fecha de nacimiento para el niño para registrarse.
You Can Help
During Diaper Depot hours
- Welcome and chat with parents and children.
- Register children.
- Help sell diapers.
- Unpack boxes of diapers and arrange stock (any time).
We are eager for volunteers who speak Spanish.
Every Meal
Time and location depending on the specific volunteer activity
Mount Olive supports Every Meal, formerly Sheridan Story—an organization that provides bags of food in backpacks on Fridays to alleviate food insecurity at home during the weekends, when school meals are not available.
You Can Help
- Volunteer to fill food bags, distribute food, or serve in other ways.
- Offer a helping hand for school programming—for example, by tutoring a student or reading to a class.
- Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation to Every Meal.
Our Saviour’s Meal
Second Sunday every month
Every year Our Saviour’s Housing, a ministry of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (2315 Chicago Ave. S.), provides shelter and supportive resources to about 650 men and women who are unhoused. Mount Olive serves dinner to about 50 residents each month.
You Can Help
- Volunteer to cook or serve dinner with a team the second Sunday of the month.
- One team may prepare the meal and another serve, or one team may do both.
Summer ACTS youth and adults after a day of work through Handyworks Home Help
Summer ACTS
Two weeks in early summer, registration in May
The Summer ACTS program gives kids ages nine to 14 a job, such as helping with house maintenance for an elderly neighbor, serving a meal, or sorting items at a resource center.
Program participants work as a team to:
- serve the neighborhood, the broader community, and the global community;
- learn skills, such as personal responsibility, money management, and team work;
- build relationships with and learn from adults from both the neighborhood and the congregation;
- support the work of local partner organizations;
- have some fun!
Summer ACTS runs for two weeks, Monday through Thursday, and participants work from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
You Can Help
- Volunteer to work with these wonderful kids.
- Shop for and prepare lunches for the group.
Severe Cold Warming Option
When the temperature drops below 10 degrees
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mount Olive is a Hennepin County severe cold warming option, proving a safe location for those on the street who need shelter when temperatures drop.
You Can Help
- Welcome those seeking shelter.
- Provide snacks—cookies, rolls, coffee, and hot chocolate for our guests.